2009 Greater Toronto Regional

[Zuhaib Ali]

Personally, this regional was by far the most fun of any FIRST event I’ve been to. The atmosphere at the event throughout the weekend was simply electric, setting the stage up for everyone to shine. We saw everything this weekend: upsets, high scores, joy and elation, and crushing defeats. Stories from throughout this weekend will be told for years to come.

First off, I’d like to thank our alliance partners 610 and 1305 for doing a remarkable job and pulling through in clutch situations. We truly made the #1 alliance work for their win, and perhaps more importantly we put on a great show for everyone

To 610, after your performance, we’re convinced that you guys are one of the best alliance partners we’ve worked with. Our team was also extremely pleased to see your team return to the high levels that we know you are capable of. We loved you versatility and would like nothing better than to see you find some way to make it down to Atlanta

I loved 1305’s drive team through the eliminations! You guys went on the field and were able to get the most out of your robot doing everything in your power to win. We owe your team a great deal of thanks. Without your empty cell deliveries they would have been no way for us to score the last second super cells. You contributed so much to our alliance, perhaps more than most people were able to see. The intangibles often make all the difference. Thank you and see you in Atlanta!

2056 was indeed the best team in terms of performance on the field. Your team has really come a far way winning your first 6 regional’s in a row. That is an accomplishment no one but your team holds. Be proud of it. Going 8-0 in qualifications was no coincidence. You guys deserve a lot of credit especially when you had a tough schedule. Your robot will be a huge force to reckon with in Atlanta.

Congratulations to team 2185, your team is now part of the 2 regional win club. Both your robot and drive team showed you were one of the best defensive teams out there. If we didn’t need an EC deliverer as badly as we did, you most definitely would have been a notable partner. Your drive team had a lot of confidence which took you guys a long way.

Once again, 1114 put on a stellar performance and they continue to be great role models in all of FIRST. After taking a look at their chairman’s display I realized they did so many things I wasn’t even aware of. It was dam impressive and I knew right away it was a championship submission.

The dilemma that occurred in the finals is regretful. Head referee Fraser Allan did his job by making the correct call. I’ve had a couple of conversations with Fraser and he is an amazing person to be around. What happened in the finals can’t be more clearly explain.

Mr. Lim, we win as a team and lose as a team. You didn’t let anyone down and the blame can’t be solely placed upon you. Matter of fact, many team members including myself were present at the pits during the time out and we all ceased to remind ourselves to be on the field. We might have lost the finals, but the team gained much more from your truly inspirational character.

Originally Posted by Karthik

Our alliance absolutely didn't want to play that match as a 3 on 2.

We totally understand that. Team 1114 and 2056, you guys should definitely be proud of your victory. Team 188 started the build season in hopes of being as good as, if not better, than teams like 2056, 1114, 71, 111, 217, 67….. and the list goes on. You are teams we derive inspiration from. Powerhouses exist for a reason. They make everyone try so much harder. Thank you!

[Kate00]

As a sidenote, I would like to say that I was not taking issue with the discussion of biased referees in general. I know that that is potentially an issue, and welcome general discussion of if it exists and how to stop it.
What I did take issue with was the specific pointing of fingers at a specific referee, specific team and specific regional. Without knowing all of the facts, randomly accusing specific people who you do not know is unacceptable to me. Even if the claims are unfounded, many take them at face value, and it is potentially very damaging to the reputation of the individual, team and even the regional.

Now, onto the happier part of my post. I was not actually supposed to be at this regional – I was told on Tuesday that they were desperately in need of a lead queuer. As I had filled that position at Waterloo last year, they asked me if I could come out, and I jumped at the chance, and I’m glad I did.

Congratulations to Teams 1114, 2056 and 2185. The way you won may not have been how you would have liked, but the level of skill you showed in finals match 3 and all throughout the eliminations leaves no doubt in my mind that you deserved the win. The level of class, dedication and effort you showed was at the level I always have seen for your teams - above and beyond.

1114 – I was completely blown away by your Chairman’s presentation when I saw it on Thursday night. Everyone who put effort into that should be incredibly proud of themselves, and know that you truly deserved this award. The things you have done for the FIRST community are unparalleled. Those of you who haven’t watched their episodes of Degrassi are really missing out!

Thanks to “my” team, 2505. With the incredible mentors you have, it’s only a matter of time before you become a new Canadian superpower.

188/610/1305 – Congrats on a hard fought finals. Thank you to Shawn for your post earlier – you have a tremendous amount of class, and I am proud to have worked with you in the past and hopefully again soon!

To my queuing team: never did I think we would be capable of running ahead of time on a (mostly) 6 minute match schedule, but we did! You all were fantastic, and I appreciate everything you did so much. I hope to work with you again in the future.

Thanks to Jess Breadner for all of your help at lunch on Saturday, and for bringing me my fruit.

Fraser Allan was an amazing head referee with a thorough knowledge of the rules – many times I saw him after a match go running over to the scorer’s table to go through the manual to confirm that the referees made the right call.

There were ups and downs throughout the weekend, but I am still glad I made the decision to trek up from London to make it, and I hope to be back next year.